Spiritual Exploration at Camp Galilee
Spiritual Exploration at Camp Galilee by Stuart Campbell, Executive Director
The spirituality of camp sets Galilee apart from many other places where our children spend time. Camp is especially well suited to meet the developmental needs of young people in their faith journeys and it explicitly and uniquely fosters the development of strong relationships, well-grounded identities, and healthy independence. Research shows that these three factors are essential to the formation of a mature, active faith. A favorite forum for this kind of spiritual exploration at Galilee is “stump the chaplain.” Campers gather with the camp priest to air their burning questions about God, life, or religion, and then discuss the ideas as a group. The depth and thoughtfulness of these conversations has been remarkable – our children are hungry for the chance to talk about spirituality! Whether in the heat of such lively discussions, the quiet of gazing at the stars, or the camaraderie of community song and prayer, campers and counselors alike have the opportunity to explore faith on their own terms at camp. Immersed in the Beloved Community that is Galilee, they reflect on how they want to shape their lives and carry the peace and love experienced here out into the rest of the world.
The spirituality of camp sets Galilee apart from many other places where our children spend time. Camp is especially well suited to meet the developmental needs of young people in their faith journeys and it explicitly and uniquely fosters the development of strong relationships, well-grounded identities, and healthy independence. Research shows that these three factors are essential to the formation of a mature, active faith. A favorite forum for this kind of spiritual exploration at Galilee is “stump the chaplain.” Campers gather with the camp priest to air their burning questions about God, life, or religion, and then discuss the ideas as a group. The depth and thoughtfulness of these conversations has been remarkable – our children are hungry for the chance to talk about spirituality! Whether in the heat of such lively discussions, the quiet of gazing at the stars, or the camaraderie of community song and prayer, campers and counselors alike have the opportunity to explore faith on their own terms at camp. Immersed in the Beloved Community that is Galilee, they reflect on how they want to shape their lives and carry the peace and love experienced here out into the rest of the world.
